A man has been arrested after boxes of live rodents were released at McDonald’s restaurants in Birmingham, apparently as part of pro-Palestine protests.
Police said they were investigating three separate incidents in the region where live rodents were thrown into the fast food venues, and were also seeking a second man, Billal Hussain, 30.
The first incident took place at a McDonald’s in Nechells in central Birmingham at about 5.30pm on Monday, when what appeared to be dozens of mice painted red, black, green and white – the colours of the Palestinian flag – were released into the restaurant.
Video footage showed a man with what appears to be a Palestinian flag draped around his head carrying the rodents from the boot of a car into the McDonald’s and tipping them on to the floor, in front of horrified customers.
As the animals scurry around the floor, diners can be seen running away. He can then be heard shouting: “Boycott Israel” and “fuck Israel”.
Footage of a second incident on Tuesday afternoon, at a McDonald’s branch in Perry Barr, showed staff trying to contain dozens of rodents under a plastic box, with one onlooker saying they had been “dropped off”.
Police said there was a third incident in Small Heath just before 9pm on Tuesday, although it is unclear if this was connected.
West Midlands police said: “Our position is clear: this is appalling and will not be tolerated. We will hunt down and prosecute anyone who commits such acts. We’re stepping up patrols across the region and will be offering reassurance to our communities.”
They said they had “already executed a number of warrants in our determination to arrest Hussain, who is suspected of being involved in the unacceptable and distressing incidents”.
The police urged anyone with information about Hussain to contact them.
McDonald’s UK said the restaurants involved had “been fully sanitised and our pest control partners have carried out a full inspection”, adding that they were working with West Midlands police.
Calls to boycott the global fast food chain have stemmed from McDonald’s Israel saying it had given thousands of free meals to Israeli military personnel.
Franchises in some Muslim-majority countries, such as Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Jordan and Turkey, have dissociated themselves from the Israeli franchise as a result.
McDonald’s Corporation said in a statement: “We are dismayed by the disinformation and inaccurate reports regarding our position in response to the conflict in the Middle East.
“McDonald’s Corporation is not funding or supporting any governments involved in this conflict, and any actions from our local developmental licensee business partners were made independently without McDonald’s consent or approval.
“Our hearts are with all of the communities and families impacted by this crisis. We are doing everything we can to ensure the safety of our people in the region while supporting the communities where we operate.”
